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[Display omitted] • S-doped biochar was modified by Ag 2 S and MgO for boosting adsorption-photocatalytic activity. • The adsorption activity of Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC was better than its photocatalytic activity. • Langmuir well fitted with the adsorption isotherms of Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC. • Second-order model well describes with the adsorption kinetics of Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC. S-doped biochar was co-modified with Ag 2 S and MgO (Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC) for enhancing adsorption-photocatalytic performance in RhB elimination. The prepared Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC heterojunctions were better for adsorption-photocatalytic removal of RhB as compared to Ag 2 S and MgO alone for S-doped biochar modifying. Langmuir and second-order models well described the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC, respectively. The adsorption-photocatalytic elimination of RhB over optimal 4-Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC was reached to 97.60 % under solar-light irradiation within 120 min, and the photo-corrosion resulted the declined removal efficiency of RhB to 91.87 % after five cycle times. Ag 2 S-MgO/S-BC was thus the super candidate for adsorption and photocatalytic application in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis is a promising route to convert solar light into chemical energy for H 2 evolution and pollutants degradation. Hence, Ni 2 P decorated ZnCr 2 O 4 (Ni 2 P/ZnCr 2 O 4) nanofibers were prepared for boosting solar-light induced water splitting and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation. For comparison to ZnCr 2 O 4 nanofibers, Ni 2 P/ZnCr 2 O 4 composites exhibited the better photocatalytic activities for water splitting and TCH removal. Owing to the co-catalytic effect of Ni 2 P for the efficient photon capture, the charge carriers were rapidly separated and migrated at the interface between Ni 2 P and oxygen-defected ZnCr 2 O 4. H 2 evolution rate of optimal C–Ni 2 P/ZnCr 2 O 4 with a nominal Ni 2 P content of 9.0 wt% was 575.89 μmol g−1 h−1, and its apparent quantum yield at 420 nm was 15.25 %, while its H 2 evolution decreased from 2815.13 to 2602.51 μmol g−1 after fifth cycle. In addition, the removal efficiency of C–Ni 2 P/ZnCr 2 O 4 was 93.68 % within 90 min, and declined to 88.76 % after five cycles for solar-light driven degradation of 50 mg L−1 TCH solution. The deactivation of C–Ni 2 P/ZnCr 2 O 4 was due to the photo-corrosion for the change in valence states of compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CeO 2 -coated α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (α-Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 ) with the enhanced photocatalytic activity were synthesized by a hydrothermal route and performed for the visible light driven photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB). The photocatalytic activity of α-Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 is greatly affected by the thickness of CeO 2 shell under the same conditions. The core-shell structured α-Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 sample exhibited a narrower band gap energy in comparison to the pure α-Fe 2 O 3 and CeO 2 bulks, leading to the excellent photocatalytic activity and stability for the degradation of MB under visible light irradiation after five cycle times. The core-shell structured α-Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 sample presented higher degradation activity than that of the supported 8-Fe/CeO 2 bulks with optimized α-Fe 2 O 3 loading of 8%. It can be ascribed to the Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ redox couple and the heterojunction interfaces of core-shell structured α-Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 sample, which can promote the electrons transfer and restrain the photoexcited electron-hole recombination, leading to the excellent degradation activity under visible light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flower-like ZnS/Zn-Al composites were prepared via in situ vulcanization. • ZnS/Zn-Al exhibits the efficient adsorption-photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) removal. • Lattice defects of ZnS/Zn-Al enhance the transfer and separation of charge carriers. Flower-like ZnS-modified Zn-Al layered double oxides (ZnS/Zn-Al) were prepared from Zn-Al layered double hydroxides via the in-situ vulcanization of dielectric barrier discharge plasma. The obtained ZnS/Zn-Al composites exhibit the enhanced adsorption-photocatalytic activity for the removal of Cr(VI) in visible light region. The adsorption-photocatalytic performances of ZnS/Zn-Al are greatly affected by the vulcanized time, Cr(VI) concentration, plasma power, inorganic ions, and pH vaules. Langmuir isotherm and second-order model can well describe the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of ZnS/Zn-Al composites. The optimal 2-ZnS/Zn-Al with a Zn/Al molar ratio of 3:1 can remove Cr(VI) (40 mg L−1) of 99.88% within 140 min, and its adsorption capacity is 118.37 mg g−1. After five cycle times, the photocatalytic activity of 2-ZnS/Zn-Al is restrained by long-term irradiation. The lattice defects such as oxygen and sulfur vacancies induced by the nonthermal plasma are favorable for the effect charge transfer and the rapid separation of charge carriers at the junction interface. In addition, the vacant sites of bulk interface are likely to adsorb Cr(VI) ions via the electrostatic attraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-defected In 2 S 3 /ZnS nanospheres were synthesized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal route for facilitating the solar-light induced photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The removal efficiency of TCH over In 2 S 3 /ZnS was higher in comparison to pure ZnS and In 2 S 3. The adsorption-photocatalytic capacity of S-defected In 2 S 3 /ZnS was affected by In 2 S 3 content, TCH concentration, inorganic salts, pH, and quenchers. The removal efficiency of optimal 3-In 2 S 3 /ZnS for TCH solution of 50 mg L−1 was 100% within 90 min, and decreased to 93.26% after five cycle times. The main active species were •O 2 - and h+ in solar-light driven photocatalytic system. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of S-defected In 2 S 3 /ZnS was due to the tight interface between In 2 S 3 and ZnS for the efficient transfer and utilization of photo-induced carriers. [Display omitted] • In 2 S 3 /ZnS nanospheres were prepared by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal route. • Tight interface of In 2 S 3 and ZnS favored the transfer and utilization of charge carriers. • S-defected In 2 S 3 /ZnS exhibited the excellent photocatalytic activity and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the poor visible-light harvesting and the inferior charge transfer and separation of MgO, MgO nanosheets were co-modified by S and FeS (FeS/S-MgO) via a high-temperature sulfurized route. Compared with pure S-MgO, FeS/S-MgO exhibited higher photocatalytic capacity for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under solar light irradiation. It's attributed to the junction interface between FeS and O-defected S-MgO for promoting the transfer and separation of photo-induced carriers and enhancing the visible-light absorption capacity. The photocatalytic activity of FeS/S-MgO was greatly affected by FeS content, TCH concentration, pH, inorganic salts, and quenchers. The optical 3-FeS/S-MgO with a FeS content of 7.94 wt% degrade 97.10% TCH solution of 40 mg L−1, and declined to 94.21% after five cycles under the same conditions. •OH and h+ played the crucial role in 3-FeS/S-MgO assisted photocatalytic system. [Display omitted] • FeS/S-MgO composites were prepared by high-temperature sulfurization. • FeS/S-MgO enhanced the visible-light harvesting and the charge transfer. • •OH and h+ played the vital role in solar-light driven degradation of TCH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2 S 3 -decorated MoO 3 @MoS 2 (In/MoO 3 @MoS 2) composites were fabricated via the in-situ sulfurization of nonthermal plasma for the visible light driven photoreduction of CO 2 to CH 4 and CO. In 2 S 3 can efficiently enhance the photocatalytic activity of In/MoO 3 @MoS 2 in comparison to h-MoO 3. The optimal 3-In/MoO 3 @MoS 2 with a In content of 1.33% and the MoS 2 thickness of around 10 nm presents the superior conversion efficiency of CO 2 , of which the yield of CH 4 and CO are 29.4 and 35.6 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. However, the long-term photo-corrosion induced to the declining yield of CH 4 and CO after three cycle times. The introduction of In 2 S 3 into MoO 3 @MoS 2 as well as the nonthermal plasma induced S-rich sites and O vacancies is likely to provide the sufficient active sites for promoting CO 2 activation and the efficient junction interface for achieving the transfer and separation of charge carriers. [Display omitted] • In 2 S 3 /MoO 3 @MoS 2 was prepared via in-situ nonthermal plasma route. • In 2 S 3 /MoO 3 @MoS 2 presents the excellent photoreduction activity toward CO 2. • CO 2 is efficiently converted into CH 4 and CO in visible light region. • S-rich sites and O vacancies play the vital role in CO 2 photoreduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the adsorption-photocatalytic capacity of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under solar light irradiation, ultrafine CuInS 2 nanoparticles of 5 nm modified MgO with S doping (CIS/S-MgO) nanosheets were in-situ sulfurized in the nonthermal plasma. Compared with pure MgO, In 2 S 3 /S-MgO and CuS/S-MgO, CIS/S-MgO exhibited the better photocatalytic activity while worse adsorption capacity. The optimal 2-CIS/S-MgO could remove 98.4% of 200 mg L−1 TCH solution within 180 min, and declined to 92.3% after five cycles. The attenuated surface discharge and small BET surface area of CIS/S-MgO induced to the inferior adsorption capacity, while the Z-structured junction formed between CuInS 2 and S-MgO was favorable for the charge transfer and separation of electron-hole pairs. •O 2 − was vital for enhancing the solar-light photocatalytic activity of 2-CIS/S-MgO. [Display omitted] • CIS/S-MgO nanosheets were in-situ sulfurized in the nonthermal plasma. • Optimal CIS/S-MgO removed 98.4% of 200 mg L−1 TCH solution within 180 min. • O 2 - was the vital radical in adsorption-photocatalytic system. • Z-structured junction favored the transfer and separation of charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mg-Al LDO with N-defected g-C 3 N 4 extended solar-light absorption capacity. • N-defected g-C 3 N 4 enhanced the photocatalytic activity of Mg-Al LDO. • The junction favored the transfer and separation of charge carriers. To enhance the photocatalytic activity of Mg-Al layered double oxide (LDO) for solar-light excited RhB removal, Mg-Al LDO coupling with N-defected g-C 3 N 4 (Mg-Al@CN) composites were prepared using Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) and melamine as raw materials. Compared with Mg-Al LDO, Mg-Al@CN exhibited the better adsorption and photocatalytic capacity of RhB due to the combined effect between Mg-Al LDO and g-C 3 N 4. The removal efficiency of RhB over optimal Mg-Al@CN-3 was 91.12% of 60 mg L-1 RhB solution within 120 min, and decreased to 86.11% after five cycles. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of Mg-Al@CN for RhB removal was due to the narrow band-gap structure, extending visible-light capture, and efficient transfer and separation of photo-generated carriers. •O 2 − radical was vital for the Mg-Al@CN assisted photocatalytic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the solar-light photocatalytic efficiency of MoO 3 for conversion of CO 2 into CH 4 and CO, CuS and MoS 2 co-modified h-MoO 3 (MoO 3 @MoS 2 -CuS) composites were sulfurized by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. The photocatalytic activities of MoO 3 @MoS 2 and MoO 3 @MoS 2 -CuS for solar-light driven CO 2 photoreduction were better than that of h-MoO 3 , while MoO 3 @MoS 2 -CuS presented the enhancing CH 4 yield and the declining CO yield. It's ascribed to the improved visible light response and the efficient charge transfer and separation. In addition, CO 2 and H 2 O molecules were trapped and photo-reduced at the naked edge-rich sites of junction interface between MoO 3 , MoS 2 , and CuS. The optimal MoO 3 @MoS 2 -CuS-3 with the CuS content of 2.27 wt% presented the CH 4 yield of 44.64 μmol g−1 h−1 and CO yield of 7.59 μmol g−1 h−1, and its durability was slightly declined after three cycles. [Display omitted] • MoO 3 @MoS 2 -CuS was in-situ sulfurized in the nonthermal plasma. • MoO 3 @MoS 2 -CuS enhanced the visible-light harvesting and charge transfer. • MoO 3 @MoS 2 -CuS presented the excellent CH 4 yield and inferior CO yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, photocatalysis has been confirmed as an emerging route to eliminate the contaminants such as dyes, antibiotics, and heavy metals from wastewater. To explore MoO 3 -based photocatalyst with excellent photocatalytic activity, BiVO 4 -modified hexagonal h-MoO 3 (BiVO 4 /MoO 3) composites were constructed for solar-light induced photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) via a chemical precipitation approach. Compared with pure h-MoO 3 , BiVO 4 /MoO 3 exhibited the inferior adsorption capacity while efficient photocatalytic activity. The removal efficiency of TCH over BiVO 4 /MoO 3 was affected by BiVO 4 content, pH, and inorganic ions. For optimal 3-BiVO 4 /MoO 3 with a BiVO 4 content of 4.25%, the adsorption-photocatalytic efficiency of 190 mg L−1 TCH was 97.66% within 160 min, and decreased to 91.35% after five cycles under the same conditions. The quenching experiments indicated that h+ and·O 2 - served as the main species in adsorption-photocatalytic system. The tight junction interface between BiVO 4 and MoO 3 could enhance the visible-light response and the transfer and separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. Hence, the excellent activity and durability of BiVO 4 /MoO 3 was favorable for the adsorption-photodegradation of organic pollutants. [Display omitted] • BiVO 4 /MoO 3 enhanced the solar-light photodegradation efficiency of TCH. • h+ and ·O 2 - served as the main species in adsorption-photocatalytic system. • BiVO 4 /MoO 3 promoted the separation and migration of charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag quantum dots (QDs) anchored on CeO2 nanosheets with a carbon coating (Ag/CeO2@C) (composites) were prepared via an in situ reduction approach for the photocatalytic degradation of Cr(VI) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in the visible-light region. The photocatalytic activity of Ag/CeO2@C was greatly affected by carbon content, Ag-doping content, Cr(VI) concentration, pH value, and inorganic ions. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was obtained by Ag/CeO2@C (compared to CeO2 and CeO2@C), of which 3-Ag/CeO2@C-2 with an Ag-doping content of 5.41% presented the best removal efficiency and the most superior stability after five cycles. ·O2− and ·OH radicals were crucial for the photocatalytic capacity of 3-Ag/CeO2@C-2. The combined effect of the surface plasma resonance (SPR) of Ag QDs, an electron trapper of carbon shells, and the redox activity of the Ce(III)/Ce(IV) coupling induced efficient charge transfer and separation, suppressing the recombination of electron–hole pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-light driven water splitting acted as an important technology to solve the energy crisis has attracted much more attention. To restrain the recombination rate of charge carriers and enhance the surface activity of TiO 2 , integrating dual CdS–CoS with S,N-codoped TiO 2 with a Cd/Co mole ratio of 1:1 (Cd 0.5 Co 0.5 S/SN-TiO 2) nano-fibers were fabricated via the electro-spinning and one-pot hydrothermal routes. H 2 -evolution rate of Cd 0.5 Co 0.5 S/SN-TiO 2 nano-fibers was higher than TiO 2 , CoS/SN-TiO 2 and CdS/SN-TiO 2 nano-fibers. The optimal 3-Cd 0.5 Co 0.5 S/SN-TiO 2 with a Cd 0.5 Co 0.5 S ratio of 5.0 wt% performed the highest photocatalytic activity (4.55 mmol g−1 h−1), and the best photocatalytic durability after five cycles. It's owing to the hybrid effect of CdS and CoS for efficient transfer and separation of charge carriers at the junction interface between Cd 0.5 Co 0.5 S nanoparticles and S,N-codoped TiO 2 nanofibers. Meanwhile, the extending visible-light response and sufficient active sites of TiO 2 -based heterojunctions are favorable for the water splitting. [Display omitted] • Cd 0.5 Co 0.5 S/S,N–TiO 2 nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning and hydrothermal routes. • Cd 0.5 Co 0.5 S/S,N–TiO 2 exhibited excellent H 2 -evolution activity. • The tight junction interface favored the transfer and separation of charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the intrinsic active sites and to suppress the recombination of charge carriers, ZnIn 2 S 4 modified with S,N-codoped carbon (ZIS/SN-C) composites were prepared for solar light driven water splitting via the one-pot sulfurized route. Compared with g-C 3 N 4 and S-doped g-C 3 N 4 , the combined effect between S,N-codoped carbon and ZnIn 2 S 4 can greatly enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZIS/SN-C. The optimal 4-ZIS/SN-C with the Zn(II) content of 13.78% and the calculated In/Zn molar ratio of 2.03:1 presents the H 2 evolution rate of 2937.1 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 2.98 and 23.42 times higher than that of one-pot sulfurized ZnIn 2 S 4 and S-doped g-C 3 N 4 , respectively. However, long-term photo-corrosion induces to the declined durability of 4-ZIS/SN/C for water splitting after three cycles. S vacancies of ZnIn 2 S 4 serve as the efficient active sites of H 2 evolution reaction, and S, N-codoped carbon acts as the photo-induced electrons trapper. The one-pot sulfurized approach is thus a potential strategy to fabricate metal sulfide-based photocatalysts. • ZnIn 2 S 4 /S,N-codoped carbon composites was prepared via one-pot vulcanized route. • ZnIn 2 S 4 /S,N-codoped carbon exhibits the excellent solar light driven H 2 evolution. • S vacancies of ZnIn 2 S 4 serve as the efficient active sites for H 2 evolution reaction. • S, N-codoped carbon acts as the photo-induced electrons trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• S-defected ZnInGaS 4 was prepared via the microwave hydrothermal route. • ZnInGaS 4 exhibits the excellent solar light driven H 2 evolution. • ZnInGaS 4 presents the superior photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) reduction. • Tight interface between ZnIn 2 S 4 and ZnGa 2 S 4 favors the rapid charge transfer. ZnInGaS 4 heterojunction with S vacancies was prepared via the microwave hydrothermal route to boost the solar-light photocatalytic activity for water splitting and Cr (VI) reduction. The tight interface between ZnIn 2 S 4 and ZnGa 2 S 4 favors the rapid separation and transfer of photo-induced electron-hole pairs, and the narrowed band gap is suitable for visible-light harvesting. In addition, S vacancies serve as the adsorption sites and photons capture, leading to the efficient solar utilization. Compared with ZnIn 2 S 4 (0.94 mmol g-1h−1) and ZnGa 2 S 4 (0.33 mmol g-1h−1), the optimal ZnInGaS 4 with a In/Ga molar ratio of 1:1 exhibits the better H 2 evolution rate (4.47 mmol g-1h−1) and the apparent quantum yield of 20.16 % at wavelength of 400 nm. The removal efficiency of ZnInGaS 4 for solar-light driven Cr (VI) reduction is 99.46 % within 140 min, which is higher than ZnIn 2 S 4 (93.14 %) and ZnGa 2 S 4 (89.31 %). The photo-corrosion induces to the deactivation of ZnGa 2 S 4 for solar-light driven H 2 evolution and Cr (VI) reduction after five cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption-photo-reduction is considered as a potential route to remove Cr(VI) from wastewater. To explore the novel photocatalysts with efficient adsorption-photocatalytic activity, flower-like hierarchical ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 heterojunction was prepared for the solar-light-driven reduction of Cr(VI). Its adsorption-photocatalytic capacity is greatly affected by the ZnS/Ga 2 S 3 molar ratio, Cr(VI) content, pH values, and inorganic ions. Among these obtained composites, ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 -3 with a ZnS/Ga 2 S 3 molar ratio of 3:1 exhibits the best adsorption-photocatalytic capacity. The adsorption capacity of ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 -3 is 54.42 mg g−1, and its total removal efficiency is 99.10% for 100 mg L−1 Cr(VI) solution after 160 min. In addition, the adsorption-photo-reduction performance of ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 -3 is slightly deactivated after nine cycle times. The Langmuir, pseudo-second-order, and first-order models well describe the adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetic, and photo-reduction kinetic of ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 -3, respectively. The synergy effect of ZnS and Ga 2 S 3 are favorable for the efficient transfer and separation of charge carriers, and provide sufficient vacant sites at the junction interface for the adsorption of Cr(VI). Image 1 • Flower-like hierarchical ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 was prepared by the hydrothermal route. • ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 heterojunction has excellent adsorption-photocatalysis capacity. • ZnS-Ga 2 S 3 exhibits slight deactivation for Cr(VI) removal after nine cycle times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]